Seasons Coasters from my Little Artist

I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off for the last two weeks. Lots of family emergencies (everyone's ok now) and getting ready for a craft sale has made it almost impossible to try any new projects or sit down to blog. But I miss my blog so I had to pop in to show you a present from my little guy.

We went ceramic painting a few months ago and I chose coasters for Daniel because I knew it would be like four separate paintings and take him a little longer than just slathering something in purple for 3 minutes!

I suggested he paint the seasons and he did a great job. I was going to suggest giving them to his Gramma and Grampa for Christmas, but when we picked up the package from the shop and he said they were for his Dad and I, they went straight onto the table! I thought I should share before Christmas in case you're looking for a gift for your little one to give this year.

Happy Family Day!

Today is Family Day in many Canadian provinces, and I thought I would share one of our favorite family treats! We all love popcorn, but we don't have space for an air popper. We also don't want to eat all the chemicals in microwave popcorn!

So here is our solution:
2 paper lunch bags (doubled up)
1/3 cup organic popcorn kernels

Double up the paper bags, add 1/3 cup kernels (or so there is one layer laying flat on the bottom of the bag). Fold over the top and tape down. Microwave for about 2 minutes, or until popping slows to 1-3 seconds between pops. Add butter and salt and voila! Chemical free, fast and fun.

You can also decorate the outer bags with everyone's names and make custom popcorn. Herbs, Parmesan cheese, pepper, cayenne, seasoning salt or sugar would all be fun to try out.

Enjoy- and Happy Family Day!

Making Class Gifts: Part 2

Finished and delivered! They couldn't have turned out any cuter. Well, unless we used glitter, but I'm not crazy.

I really wanted Daniel to be able to make most of everything, but I knew he would never get through 18 cards! So he made one and we photocopied it. So much easier, more fun and looked great!

We drew a snowman on the front, put a cute little poem (that I still have memorized from my preschool days) inside and he signed his name. Attaching the rainbow heart crayons was no easy task! I tried double sided tape, tape loops and contemplated an elaborate ribbon structure and crazy glue. But then my genius came back.

I put a tape loop on the card where I wanted the crayon to go, topped that with hot glue and pressed the crayon on. Worked like a charm! Now it won't ruin the card, and the glue will just peel off of the crayon. When all was said and done, I also decided to pop them into cellophane jewelry bags just in case the crayons came off. Better safe than swearing. Ahem, 'sorry'.

So if you need a simple class gift for your little one, go back to Part 1 and create away!